MISL Expects Several Teams To Leave League, Could Cancel '14-15 Season

The MISL yesterday "posted a statement on its website stating that it is evaluating the business model" of some teams and is "willing to shut down in 2014-15 if necessary," according to Lindsay Kramer of the Syracuse POST-STANDARD. The statement read in part, "The MISL is undertaking a process of comprehensively reviewing all aspects of the property including its membership, competitive product, and economic model. ... As a result, several teams that possess a different philosophy on how to structure and operate an indoor professional soccer league will not be returning to the MISL." The Syracuse Silver Knights are "one of at least four free-agent MISL teams pursing the option of leaving the league for a new grouping next season." Silver Knights President & coach Tommy Tanner yesterday confirmed that his team, along with the Rochester Lancers, Baltimore Blast and Missouri Comets, "comprise the group that's exploring alternatives." All four teams "fulfilled the MISL's three-season franchise commitment in 2013-14, allowing them to leave the league if they want." A "likely new home could be the 20-team Professional Arena Soccer League." A new league "could be appealing because it might offer more geographically clustered teams, thereby reducing travel costs." Tanner said that the MISL "has a meeting scheduled for March 25" that the team will attend. Tanner added that the four teams "will likely act as one in terms of their future." He said that they "hope to make a decision by mid-April, at the latest" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 3/18).The MISL Milwaukee Wave yesterday said the team would "explore all options" in the wake of the announcement. In Milwaukee, Don Walker notes the Wave "bills itself as the longest running professional soccer franchise in the country" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/18).